Facts About London

London, capital of England and the United Kingdom, is home to more than 8 million inhabitants and is the most populated city in Europe. Every year it is visited by millions of tourists, business travellers, and it welcomes students from all over the UK, Europe and afar.

London Airports

There are 5 airports in London, 3 of which are international airports (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted). Luton Airport operates mainly low cost flights and London City Airport is used primarily by business travellers.

London Heathrow

The London Heathrow Airport, airport code LHR, is the busiest airport in the UK, and the third busiest in the world with over 90 airlines flying to over 170 domestic and international destinations. It is located 14 miles west of Central London and can be reached easily by the Heathrow Express, which has non-stop service to and from London's Paddington station. The journey takes around 20 minutes and departs from London Heathrow terminals 1, 3, and 5. From London Heathrow Terminal 4 there is a Heathrow Express transfer service available. Other transport options are the London Underground, known as "The Tube", Piccadilly line.

London Gatwick

The London Gatwick Airport, LGW, is a preferred base for low cost airlines like easyJet and Monarch, but also has traditional full-service airlines like British Airways, and charter flights. Gatwick has two terminals, North and South. It is located 29.5 miles outside of the London city centre. The easiest form of transport from the airport to the city centre is the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station, which is located at the Gatwick Airport railway station in the South Terminal.

London Stansted

London Stansted (STN) has one main terminal and is a hub for many low cost airlines like Ryanair, which alone offers more than 100 destinations from the airport. Stansted is located 30 miles northeast of Central London and can be reached using the Stansted Express train that departs every 15 minutes to and from Liverpool Street station in London city centre. The journey takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour. Other London Stansted transport options are express bus services or by car on the M11 motorway.

London Luton

The London Luton Airport, LTN, is 35.1 miles north of London's city centre. The quickest form of transportation to reach Central London is by bus. Green Line Coaches and EasyBus are two of the companies that provide direct service to the Victoria Coach Station. London Luton is used by eight airlines including Ryanair and easyJet, which is headquartered at the airport.

London Sites

Find out more about London tourist attractions in our London Travel Guide.

London Weather

During summer, the average temperature in London, UK is 24°C (75.2°F) with 2 out of every 10 days presenting rainfall. Winter temperatures range from -4°C (24.8°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57.2°F). If you plan on travelling to the outskirts of London, take into account that London centre is usually 5°C (9°F) warmer in comparison.